Madam Justina Owusu Banahene, the Bono Regional Minister says improved personal hygiene remain the surest way to protect oneself from contracting the deadly Lassa fever virus.

She therefore implored Ghanaians to observe personal hygiene and clean their surroundings to control the spread of the disease in the country.

Speaking in an interview with Sompa FM in Sunyani, Mad Owusu - Banahene called on everybody to keep homes and the environment clean in order not to serve as breeding grounds for rodents.

She also called on everybody to visit health facilities for medical attention whenever they experienced abnormalities such as unusual body pains, fever and headache, which were some of the signs and symptoms of the Lassa fever.

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed 12 new cases of Lassa fever after further tests were conducted by the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research.

The latest cases were revealed after the GHS traced 56 contacts of the initial two cases confirmed on Sunday, February 26.

Lassa fever is caused by the Lassa virus and the incubation period is 2-21 days.

The virus is transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated with rodents (Rats, Mice) urine or faeces.

Lassa virus may also be spread between humans through direct contact with the blood, urine, faeces, or other bodily fluids of a person infected with Lassa fever. Sexual transmission of the Lassa virus has been reported.

Source: Ghana/Sompaonline.com/Akua Nyarko